XiYuan Temple, also known as West Garden Temple (西园寺), nestled in the picturesque city of Suzhou, China, is a timeless sanctuary that weaves spirituality and history together. This Buddhist temple, with its origins tracing back to the Yuan Dynasty, exudes an aura of tranquility amid the bustling urban landscape. The temple’s architecture, characterized by delicate pavilions, intricate sculptures, and serene courtyards, showcases the beauty of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
XiYuan Temple’s allure lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also in its profound cultural significance. As a haven for meditation and reflection, it offers visitors an escape from the modern world into a realm of serenity. The fragrant incense, rustling leaves, and softly chiming bells create an atmosphere conducive to inner harmony and contemplation.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Map of Xiyuan Temple
- Highlights of Xiyuan Temple
- Things to Do at Xiyuan Temple
- Vlog about Xiyuan Temple
- A Brief History of Xiyuan Temple
- Attractions near Xiyuan Temple
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 50 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 |
| Area | 49670 square meters |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0512-65349545 |
Location and Transportation
XiYuan Temple is situated in the heart of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. Its exact address is No. 18, Xiyuan Alley, Liuyuan Road, Gusu District. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 34, 40, 311, 400, or 933, get off at Xiyuan Road East Stop (西园路东), and you will be standing at the north side of the temple.
Metro: The nearest metro station to Xiyuan Temple is Shilu (石路) on line 2. After getting out of the station from Exit 1, take bus 406 or walk to cover the remaining 1.3 kilometers.
Map of Xiyuan Temple
Highlights of Xiyuan Temple
Zhaobi (Screen Wall)
The Zhaobi, or screen wall, stands near Fengqiao Road. Measuring 13.8 meters in length and about 5 meters in height, the wall features a 0.9-meter-high base and a roof covered with simple tiles. At the center of the main ridge, two dragons are intricately carved, while smaller mythical creatures adorn both ends. The wall is deep yellow in color, with the temple’s name, “戒幢律寺 Jiechuanglü Temple,” inscribed in large characters. On the reverse side, the inscription reads “自觉觉他 Enlighten Yourself, Enlighten Others.”
Imperial Archway
The Imperial Archway stands outside the main gate of West Garden Temple, positioned between Fude Bridge and Zhihui Bridge. At the top of the central tower, an inscription reads “Zhenguo Jiechuang” (震国戒幢). In 1903 (the 29th year of the Guangxu reign, Qing Dynasty), the eminent monk Guanghui personally traveled to Beijing to request a copy of the “Longzang” (a version of the Buddhist Tripitaka). In recognition of his devotion, Emperor Guangxu bestowed upon him the honorary title “Purple-Robed Monk, Zhenguo Jiechuang,“ which became the inspiration for the archway’s inscription.
Mahavira Hall (Main Hall)
The Mahavira Hall stands behind the Heavenly King Hall, shaded by towering ancient trees. Before the Mahavira Hall is a 0.8-meter-high terrace with stone railings intricately carved with cloud motifs. The railing columns are topped with lotus-shaped capitals, reaching a total height of 1.2 meters. At the center of the terrace stands a granite base supporting the iron-cast “Wannian Treasure Cauldron”, a symbolic relic.
Inside the hall, three grand Buddha statues stand prominently at the center. Behind them, a wall relief extends across three sections, reaching the ceiling. The eastern and western walls feature twenty golden celestial guardian statues, each standing in solemn reverence. The hall also showcases poetic couplets on pillars and inscribed plaques, embodying Buddhist teachings and wisdom.
Lakeside Pavilion
The Lakeside Pavilion is located at the center of the Fangsheng Pond on the west side of Xiyuan Temple. It has a total width of 5.2 meters and is divided into inner and outer sections by whitewashed walls. Large doors are set on both the east and west sides, connecting the pavilion to the shores via a winding stone bridge. The exterior corridor is equipped with railings, providing a resting place for visitors. Inside the pavilion, two Buddha statues are enshrined, while the surrounding walls feature hexagonal carved windows. A continuous row of horizontal windows is positioned near the roof, though they were later covered by an artificial ceiling during renovations.
Things to Do at Xiyuan Temple
Vegetarian Noodles at Tianwang Hall: Try the vegetarian noodles located on the left side of Tianwang Hall. Available from 8:00 to 15:00, prices generally range from 10 to 20 yuan. Various pastries are also offered alongside the noodles.
Vegetarian Buns at the Courtyard to the Left of Drum Tower: Head to the courtyard to the left after turning from Drum Tower. Vegetarian buns are available for 2 yuan each.
Interaction with Cats: Starting from the entrance, you’ll encounter many adorable cats along the way. Most of them are friendly and not afraid of people. You can bring cat food, but ensure safety. Enjoy the company of the cats, and be cautious with feeding.
Feeding Pigeons at the Lakeside in the West Garden : The lakeside in the West Garden has many pigeons. Prepare some small pieces of bread to feed the pigeons and enjoy the peaceful lakeside scenery.
Vlog about Xiyuan Temple
A Brief History of Xiyuan Temple
Xiyuan Temple, or Xiyuan Jiechuanglü Temple, has a long and fascinating history. It was originally called Guiyuan Temple, founded during the Yuan Dynasty (1264–1294). But by the Ming Dynasty, the temple had declined. A high official, Xu Taishi, took over the land, turning it into a private garden called Xiyuan (Western Garden). After his passing, his son Xu Rong donated it to Buddhism, and in 1635, the renowned Vinaya master Maolin became the abbot, transforming it into a Vinaya school monastery. That’s how it got the name Jiechuanglü Temple, though many locals still just call it Xiyuan Temple.
Like many temples, it has faced its share of hardships. In 1860, during the late Qing Dynasty, it was destroyed in warfare. But during the Guangxu period, Master Guanghui rebuilt it, restoring the Mahavira Hall, the Arhat Hall, and the Fangsheng Pond. By the 1920s, the temple had reached the layout you see today.
During the Cultural Revolution, many temples in China were damaged, but Xiyuan Temple was lucky—Master Mingkai bravely protected it, making it the only Buddhist temple in Suzhou that survived almost intact. After that, in the 1980s, the temple gradually restored its buildings, re-gilded the Buddha statues, and added glass enclosures to protect the Five Hundred Arhats.
From 1991 onwards, the temple went through another round of renovations. One important change was raising the roof of the Arhat Hall by 60 cm, improving air circulation to help preserve the statues. The temple also expanded, reclaiming 8,000 square meters to build the Sanbao Building complex, which now serves as an educational center for Buddhist studies.
You don’t need a reservation for the ticket to Xiyuan Temple, which costs 5 yuan. You can simply scan the QR code on-site to purchase it. The vegetarian noodles can be found through a small door on the left side of the Tianwang Hall. When I visited at the end of March, they only had Guanyin noodles available for 15 yuan. I really enjoyed the vegetarian buns; a bag costs 10 yuan, and you can mix and match flavors. The… Read more »